UPDATE: SMU Volleyball’s historic season abruptly ended as they fell to Purdue in the Sweet 16 on December 8, 2023. The Mustangs lost a close match in four sets, with scores of 25-16, 19-25, 22-25, 27-29, marking a painful repeat of their previous encounter just months prior.
The match started promisingly for SMU, who surged to a commanding 9-1 lead. They maintained their momentum throughout the first set, dominating Purdue and forcing multiple timeouts before securing a decisive 25-16 victory. However, as the match progressed, Purdue found vulnerabilities in SMU’s defense, tipping balls over the block effectively and turning the tide.
In a critical second set, SMU narrowed the gap to just one point, but Purdue responded with a 6-1 run to claim the set 25-19. With the match tied at 20 in the third set, Purdue capitalized on four errors by SMU, closing out the set 25-22.
The fourth set echoed the earlier tension, tied at 15 before Purdue gained momentum. SMU fought back to regain the lead at 23-22, but again faltered in the final moments, culminating in a heartbreaking 29-27 loss. This defeat mirrors their earlier match against Purdue on September 14, 2023, where they also lost in four sets.
With this victory, Purdue advances to its first regional final since 2021, where they will face No. 1 seed Pitt. For SMU, this marks the end of a remarkable season, filled with achievements and significant growth.
The Mustangs’ journey has captivated fans and brought excitement to the program, and their performance this season will be remembered as a pivotal moment in SMU sports history. As they reflect on their achievements, the team looks forward to building on this success in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates on college sports and SMU athletics.
